Denika Mead unpacks two (one updated and one new) YA titles in this latest batch of reviews. Blackmail & Lies, by Mary-Anne Scott In Blackmail & Lies, a tense YA novel by New Zealand author, Mary-Anne Scott, sixteen-year-old Finn must…
Sapling co-founder Sarah Forster brings us this latest batch of reviews of junior fiction titles, all featuring animals in some capacity (yes, even extinct ones)! Odd Wolf Out (#1 Faelan the Wolf), by Juliette MacIver I was delighted to see…
Bookseller Pippi Jean finds lots to rave about with four fun, rambunctious picture books. Coney, by David Minty and Greg Parker My first reaction to Coney by David Minty and Greg Parker was of pure, unaccompanied delight. I felt like…
Sapling editor Nida reviews three new picture books where animals are the stars—from snakes, to kiwi, to moa, the whole animal kingdom is here to tell these fun tales! Jungle Jazz, written by Jo van Dam and illustrated by Deborah…
Counsellor Louisa Woods reviews five self-help books designed for a variety of ages, issues, and experiences. Let It Flow, by Rebekah Lipp and Craig Phillips I have come to expect great things when it comes to Rebekah Lipp and Craig…
We’re continuing our celebration of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori with reviews of five pukapuka centred in te ao Māori, brought to us by Maraea Henare. My First Words About Tikanga Māori, written by Stacey Morrison and illustrated by…
This batch of non-fiction reviews is brought to you by Sue Esterman, featuring a collection of New Zealand adventurers, a collection of Kiwi sports heroes and an epic illustrated biography. Epic New Zealand Adventurers, by Maria Gill and Marco Ivancic…
Two international novels with links to New Zealand: one rooted in Aboriginal culture, the other with Russian folklore, both filled with adventure. Fiona Giles reviews these middle-grade reads. A Wolf for a Spell, written by Karah Sutton and illustrated by…
Annelies Judson brings us another batch of reviews of some of the latest picture books to hit the shelves. Lucy and the Dark, written by Melinda Szymanik and illustrated by Vasanti Unka I’m front-footing this review because it deserves to…
There’s more to board books than meets the eye, and a good board book will help young children develop a lifelong reading habit. Belinda Whyte shares with us her reviews of five board books for the littlest readers. As a…